[.ca] Scholastic Bookshelf: Just the Two of Us (ISBN 043966943X)

From Amazon.com:
"Just the two of us, we can make it if we try.... Just the two of us, you and I." If you were a radio-owner on planet Earth circa 1998, you might have a hard time not bobbing your head--and, yes, maybe even rapping--along with this book from Will "Big Willie Style" Smith and illustrator Kadir Nelson. That's because the words for Just the Two of Us are lifted from the lyrics to Smith's smash-hit single of the same name, a remake of the Bill Withers classic. True to the song, this radiantly drawn picture book follows a father as he watches his son grow into a man. Tender imagery (especially for hip-hop) details the dad's early, unfamiliar struggles with everything from child car seats to CD-ROMs, his aspirations ("Sometimes I wonder what you're gonna be, a general, a doctor, maybe an MC"), his worries ("Ooh there ain't no pain like from the opposite sex"), and his attempts to impart wisdom ("Always tell the truth, say your prayers, hold doors, pull out chairs, easy on the swears"). Nelson, whose work has appeared in everything from Sports Illustrated to The New Yorker, seems an ideal foil for Smith's colloquial stylings, contributing rich, vibrantly colored spreads that evocatively capture the subject matter without being overly sentimental. A must for fans of Will Smith, especially "all the fathers out there holdin' it down" (to whom Smith gives "special props"). (Ages 4 to 8) --Paul Hughes

Wonderfull!!:
I have always been a fan of Will Smith and I really loved the song...I love the idea of the song in book form. It gives parent the opportunity to explain some of the basic things in life in language that is popular to kids and easily explained. I also enjoy the fact that my son, who is 5 yrs. old, is able to identify many of the words and he can read the story himself. It encourages positive images, good morals, reading, and it's fun. Bravo Will...

Wonderful portrait of the love a father has for his son.:
Will Smith captures the heart of a father's love for his son in Just the Two of Us. This book is a must for every father and son to read!

This book is so touching!:
My husband and I are expecting our first child and recently learned we were having a little boy. I have heard the song many times and while I always enjoyed it, seeing the lyrics in print is so powerful. The words, along with the illistrations brought tears to my eyes. We are busy collecting books for our new little one and I simply could not do without this book. I bought it as a gift for my husband. I highly reccomend this book to anyone and everyone!

The five if us love Just the Two!!!:
I just purchased this book, and I was blown away with the illulstrations and how well they matched the words. I remembered hearing the song when Jada was pregnant with their first and Tre' was a little guy, but I couldn't remember the flow---Regardless, the book's lyrical flow didn't need music-- it was clearly a love song. When I was done reading it to me kids--- my son smiled and said " My Daddy Loves me.." That was worth a million reads ThanX Will & Jada.

A Tribute to Fathers and Sons:
Will Smith bases Just the Two of Us on his rap song of the same title. The book shows a father giving advice on growing up and sharing his experiences with his son. The book instills good morals and values while showing love, support, and encouragement. The pictures by Kadir Nelson are simply breathtaking and show the life stages of a baby growing into a young man. This highly recommended book gives testimony to the unique relationship between father and son.